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Ruth Stevens named director of development communications

Posted October 11, 2011; 09:00 a.m.

by Staff

Ruth Stevens, a member of Princeton University's Office of Communications staff since 2000, will join the University's fundraising staff in the Office of Development later this month. She has been promoted to director of development communications and will begin her new position Monday, Oct. 31.

"Ruth possesses broad knowledge of the University and the strong writing skills needed to eloquently express Princeton's goals," said Elizabeth Boluch Wood, vice president for development, to whom Stevens will report. "She also is an excellent strategic planner who will be a critical partner in Princeton's fundraising enterprise."

Stevens has served as senior director for strategic communications in the Office of Communications since 2010, working closely with cabinet-level administrators and project teams from various offices on significant Universitywide communications challenges. Her assignments have included communications for the March 2011 Report of the Steering Committee on Undergraduate Women's Leadership; the ongoing work of the Alcohol Coalition Committee, a group of students, faculty and staff charged by the University administration to address high-risk drinking among undergraduates; and the University's sustainability efforts.

In her new role, Stevens will lead a team of professionals charged with executing a comprehensive communications strategy in support of the University's overall fundraising efforts. She will work in partnership with the Office of Communications, the Alumni Association and academic departments to ensure strategic alignment. The University is in the fourth year of the public phase of its five-year, $1.75 billion Aspire comprehensive campaign.

Stevens joined the Office of Communications as managing editor of the office and editor of the Princeton Weekly Bulletin. She was promoted to executive editor in 2007, playing a key role in setting the tone and direction of the editorial content for the University's print and online news materials.

"Ruth has left an indelible mark on our office, helping it grow to the amazing success it is today," said Lauren Ugorji, assistant vice president for communications. "We wish her the best as she employs her diverse skills and talents in this new arena."

Stevens began her career at Carleton College as director of the news bureau from 1980 to 1983. During the next 15 years, she served as director of news services and director of academic communications at Western Michigan University. From 1998 to 2000, she was the director of public relations counseling at George Dehne & Associates, a higher education consulting firm.

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a B.A. in journalism, Stevens earned an MBA from Western Michigan University.

"I've grown to care deeply about the University during my 11 years here," Stevens said. "I'm thrilled that when I was ready for a new professional challenge, I was able to find it right here at Princeton. I look forward to working with my colleagues in development to achieve the University's fundraising goals."

Stevens will succeed Justin Harmon, who is now associate vice president for university communications and marketing at the University of New Hampshire.